Pam3CSK4 - TLR2/TLR1 Agonist

Synthetic triacylated lipopeptide

Pam3CSK4 (Pam3CysSerLys4) is a synthetic triacylated lipopeptide (LP) and a TLR2/TLR1 ligand. It is a potent activator of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB [1, 2]. Pam3CSK4 mimics the acylated amino terminus of bacterial LPs.

Bacterial LPs are a family of pro-inflammatory cell wall components found in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The stimulatory activity of these LPs resides in their acylated amino terminus. These bacterial LPs are recognized by TLR2, a receptor that plays a pivotal role in detecting a diverse range of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) [3].

At the cell surface, TLR2 forms a heterodimer with co-receptors TLR1 or TLR6, depending upon either tri- or diacylation of the ligand. Once a ligand binds to either TLR2-TLR1 or TLR2-TLR6, a MyD88-dependent activation of NF-κB and AP-1 occurs, ultimately leading to an innate immune response. Recognition of Pam3CSK4, a triacylated LP, is mediated by TLR2 which cooperates with TLR1 through their cytoplasmic domain to induce the signaling cascade leading to the activation of NF-κB [4].

Key Features of Pam3CSK4:

• Potent activator of the TLR2/TLR1 heterodimer
• Synthetic lipopeptide free of microbial contaminants
• Each lot is highly pure (≥95%) and functionally tested

References:

1. Brandt K.J. et al., 2013. TLR2 Ligands Induce NF-κB activation from endosomal compartments of human monocytes. PLoS One. 8(12) :e80743.
2. Aliprantis A.O. et al., 1999. Cell activation and apoptosis by bacterial lipoproteins through toll-like receptor-2. Science 285(5428) :736-9.
3. Oliveira-Nascimento L. et al., 2012. The Role of TLR2 in Infection and Immunity. Front Immunol. 3 :79.
4. Ozinsky A. et al.., 2000. The repertoire for pattern recognition of pathogens by the innate immune system is defined by cooperation between toll-like receptors. PNAS. 97(25) :13766-71.